How to Troubleshoot My Home Air Conditioner
With the summer months fast approaching, the home air conditioner is about to become the best friend for many of us. Depending on where you live, it can make the difference between a home that is a nice refuge from the outside world to one that is genuinely unbearable. So when things go wrong, it’s important to get them fixed as fast as possible. If your air conditioner unit isn’t working as it should, there are a few common culprits to check up on.
Refrigerant Leaks
The refrigerant in your air conditioner unit is what helps it cool the air that it brings in. If this coolant springs a leak, then your unit is going to blow neutral air at best, and hot air at worst! Checking for any leaks in the system should be the first thing you do when your air conditioner unit isn’t working as it should. If you find one, patching the leak and replacing the coolant should have your air conditioner running as good as new.
Electrical Failure
Your air conditioner unit is an electrical appliance just like anything else. Faulty wiring, a short, or even a dead outlet to which it’s plugged in can all cause the unit to cease functioning outright. In severe cases, it might even cause a fire. If your unit will not turn on at all or is producing a poor, smokey odor, this may be why.
Drainage Issues
Air conditioners need to drain the condensation that builds up due to the cooling process. All air contains some level of moisture. When air cools, like when it passes through an air conditioner unit, the water vapor condenses and becomes a liquid again. If this water isn’t drained off properly, a couple of things can happen. It can lead to an electrical short, or it can freeze into ice and damage the fan or other mechanical parts in the unit. If your air conditioner is making unusual noises or functioning poorly, this may be why.
Sensor Failure
In central air units, a sensor built into the thermostat tells the air conditioner when to turn on and off to save money and maintain an optimal temperature in the home. If this sensor is broken, the air conditioner won’t function properly.
Poor Maintenance
Finally, poor maintenance can cause a myriad of issues with your air conditioner unit. You should be inspecting and making minor repairs to your unit regularly to prevent most of these issues. With an annual tune-up, your system can last 30+ years.
When your air conditioning system suddenly stops working or exhibits troubling symptoms, it can be a source of frustration and discomfort, especially during sweltering summer months. While troubleshooting minor issues on your own can sometimes yield solutions, there are instances where calling in an expert maintenance technician is the wisest course of action. Here at Bowman Heating and Cooling, we have professional technicians who possess the knowledge, experience, and specialized tools needed to accurately diagnose and efficiently resolve complex AC problems, restoring comfort to your home or business promptly. Contact us today to schedule an inspection, and stay nice and cool this summer!